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Towns · South coastReview

Tábua: town in Madeira

Tábua sits in the municipality of Ribeira Brava, Madeira. Its population is around 1,684.

Quiet Ribeira Brava parish with terraced farms and the Levada do Norte threading through it.

Edited by Madeira Info Editorial·Last checked

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Municipality
Ribeira Brava
Population
1,684
Region
South coast
Coordinates
32.6731, -17.0364

About Tábua

Tábua is part of the municipality of Ribeira Brava, with a population of around 1,684

Tábua sits where steep mountain interior and the Atlantic meet the sea, which shapes its layout and its everyday rhythm: fishing, agriculture, and increasingly tourism. Spending half a day here gives a much better feel for the island than only visiting Funchal.

What to know before you go

  • Most cafés, bakeries and family-run restaurants take cards; small village shops sometimes still prefer cash for under €5.
  • Buses run a handful of times a day on the north and west coasts, a rental car removes the timetable problem entirely.
  • Old-town streets are tight and one-way; use the signed car parks on the outskirts and walk the last few minutes in.

Best time to visit

Tábua is comfortable year-round, but spring and early autumn give the best mix of warm afternoons and low cloud cover.

Location

South coast, Madeira · Open in OpenStreetMap · Google Maps

32.67310, -17.03640

Visitor reviews

Honest first-person notes from people who have actually been to Tábua. Reviews are moderated before they appear, no account needed.

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Frequently asked

Is Tábua worth visiting?

Yes. Tábua shows a quieter, more local side of Madeira than central Funchal, and pairs naturally with the trails, beaches and viewpoints in the same valley.

How do I get to Tábua from Funchal?

Around 35–55 minutes from Funchal on the VE1 motorway; bus 142 / 115 connects the main villages.

Plan around Tábua

The nearest town, viewpoint and walk: the three things most visitors pair with Tábua in a day.

ViewpointsMiradouro da Vigia (Ribeira Brava)2.4 km awayTrailsLevada do Norte3.5 km awayBeachesPraia da Ribeira Brava2.5 km away

Nearby on Madeira

Other places within easy reach of Tábua.

Towns
Campanário
1.1 km
Viewpoints
Miradouro da Vigia (Ribeira Brava)
2.4 km
Viewpoints
Miradouro de São Sebastião (Ribeira Brava)
2.5 km
Towns
Ribeira Brava
2.5 km
Beaches
Praia da Ribeira Brava
2.5 km
Beaches
Calhau da Lapa
2.6 km

Plan the rest of your trip

The four guides most first-time visitors reach for.

GuideMadeira travel guideThe full island in one long read.Plans3, 5 & 7-day itinerariesReady-made road-trip plans.WeatherMonth-by-month climateAir, sea, rain and sun by month.TipsFirst-timer travel tipsCar hire, parishes, red flags.

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